Nate stood before the class, his palms sweaty and heart racing. He took a deep breath and began, "um, hi everyone. Today, I'm going to talk about human DNA."
His voice trembled slightly, but he pressed on, "imagine a library of books written in just four letters - A, T, C and G. These letters represent nucleotides that form the runks of the DNA ladder. "
He swallowed hard, trying to study his nerves. "Each cell in our body has this DNA, which, is stretched out would be about 2 meters long. It's packed so tightly that it fits inside the tiny nucleus of a cell. "
Nate's eyes scanned the room, seeing faces filled with curiosity. "Our DNA is like a code that holds all the instructions for our traits and how we function. Its, um, really amazing because it tells the story of our past and potential future."
He stared at the class once more, and they stared back. His eyes panned all the ways to a girl who sat next to him. His best friend,Chloe.
The class didn't realize he was done, they were so into the presentation they didn't notice it ending. But, upon realizing Nate was done, Chloe started clapping and within milliseconds the whole class joined and applied in harmonious rhythms.
"Thank you everyone." He stated, as he made his way to his seat. The teacher - a blonde, dark-haired, middle-aged woman - stood up from her seat and took to the front of the class.
"Very well thought out presentation, Nate." She said as she stood holding onto Nate's research files which he gave to her before taking his seat.
"Is there by any chance someone I've forgotten?".
The whole class shook their heads nonchalantly.
"All right then." She stated, preparing to say something or somethings the students have been craving to hear from the moment they stepped their feet in the school, 8 hours ago at seven.
"So... Tomorrow- the day after tomorrow- is going to be the annual hero selection exams." She paused, giving the students time to take in the information.
Then she continued, "I'll advice all of you to go and practice your skills and master your powers for the better. I wish you all the best in that. And... Tomorrow is a no school day. So practice-alot-real hard."
When she was done the students began murmuring amongst themselves excited by the news. This is an opportunity for all of them to be selected in one of the best schools in the country for heroes in the surely were not going to take it for granted.
When she left the room, they began arranging and forming groups that they will go practice together and also work together on the day of the exams.
" So... You wanna to practice together? "
Chloe asked, glancing over at Nate-who's mood was rather low.
He looked straight into her eyes, piercing her soul with his gaze.
" What do you think of me Chloe? "He asked.
" What do you mean? "
" Like... Am I... A useless friend? "He asked, sorrow and sadness gripping his soul.
" No. Of course not. Why would you think that? "She asked-with the voice straighter than intended.
"Um... Well... Every other person-whom I know-has powers. Like you for example, you have technology manipulation. As for me…I have nothing. "
His words Pierced through her like a spear. She felt pity for him.
Why wasn't he like everybody else? Why didn't he have powers?
These questions ravaged her mind.
She gave him reassurance a beacon of hope."don't worry. I for one know that you will have you're Awakening very soon."
As their conversation was ongoing, all other students had already formed groups. And each group had a group leader. Among this group leaders was Max-one of the top students in the school.
" I only want the best in my group." The announced proudly as one of the lower tier students asked if she could join.
"B-but..." Hailey tried to explain, but Max wasn't having it.
"No buts. You're weak and I'm not. So we can't be in the same team, Hailey. I don't work with the weak."
These words shattered Hailey's soul.
Was she really weak as Max claimed she was?
Nate and Chloe and the whole class were watching this event and fold. Nate had had enough of the insults. He abruptly stood up and walked to the front of the class. Who took hold of Hailey's arm in took her out of the class. He took her all the way to the roof of the school. He finally let go of her arm.
" WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!!?"
Nate yelled, his voice a wave of emotions.
He continued."Really, Max's group. Of all the other groups you chose his. What were you thinking?"
His voice gradually became calmer.
After a moments silence, Hailey spoke up.
"I-I just wanted to be like them. I wanted them to know I... We have potential. That we are not weak. I mean someone has to show."
" And that someone had to be you?"
Nate argued.
" Will you didn't do anything. Did you?" Her voice was now trembling. She continued,"all you do is just sit in a corner, wallowing in self pity, talking to your girlfriend, ALL DAY!"
Tears were now rolling down her cheeks. She felt saddened by the fact her twin brother couldn't do anything about them being bullied and being called weak.
Despite the trembling of her voice, she post on."our parents were one of the most powerful heroes. But what are we?... We're useless,Nate-useless-that's what we are."
Nate knew she was right. He could hear the pain in her voice, the disappointment she felt towards him.
He said, now his voice calmer than before.
"You are right Hailey, someone had to do it. But you didn't have to embarrass yourself just for my sake." He pulled her in for an embrace. She was stiff at first but gradually loosened up.
" Our sake, Nate. Our sake." She corrected him, her voice now calmer as well.
"When he comes for us again I can't protect us. And you and I both know that." Nate stated, his voice now sharper than before.
"And we also both know that you haven't mastered your powers." He continued.
"Yes I have." Hailey defended.
"Oh, yeah. Show me." Nate comanded with a blank expression.
Hailey's heart skipped. The last time she practiced using her powers she caused tremendous damage.
Now they were standing at about 5 feet apart.
She brought her hands closer together farming half domes with both. She deeply concentrated on the palms, trying to conjure a small air sphere.
Wind gusts started forming in between her palms.
It's working.
The wind gusts now clustered together, and there it was-a mini air sphere as she called it.
Nate was impressed and exclaimed a shocked expression. But she wasn't done.
She transferred the sphere onto one of her palms-her right one. Then, she thrusted her right arm forward, pushing the mini air sphere forward with the motion.
It collided with the concrete barrier on the roof and exploded upon impact.
"Okay. Maybe you have mastered basic air manipulation. But still that's not enough to stop him." Nate explained.
Hailey tried to say something but was abruptly interrupted by the sound of footsteps.
"You guys better wrap up this little sibling talk. It's time to go home." Chloe said as she said eyes on the twin duo.
Through the way home, they talked, a lot. One of the topics discussed was where tomorrow's meeting point would be. Nate and Hailey wanted to meet at Chloe's house, since they've never been there before, but she protested. She came up with random excuses." Our house is under renovation... I mean... We have important guests... It's just that... My parents have traveled. "
They all agreed to change the meeting location to Nate and Chloe's aunt's house.
They can't find out.
They split up from Chloe at the certain point and continue on their way to their home. Are they entered through the door-
The living room, bathed in natural light from expansive bay windows, was an inviting haven. Plush sofas in soft hues formed a cozy seating area around a vintage coffee table, perfect for family gatherings or quiet moments of reflection. The walls, adorned with framed photographs and tasteful art, added a personal touch to the space. A fireplace, its mantle decorated with cherished mementos, provided warmth and a focal point for the room.
The kitchen, a bustling hub of activity, seamlessly combined utility and style. Granite countertops and stainless steel appliances gleamed under the soft glow of pendant lights. An island in the center, crowned with a trio of pendant lights, served as both a prep space and a gathering spot for casual meals. The aroma of freshly baked cookies often wafted through the air, underscoring the heartwarming spirit of the home. Open shelving displayed an array of colorful dishes and cookbooks, while a cozy breakfast nook with a view of the garden invited relaxed morning meals.
As they got a glimpse of it, they saw their aunt - Michelle Handler- performing her magic in the kitchen.
The kitchen hummed with life as she moved gracefully through the space, an orchestrator of culinary creation. The soft glow of pendant lights highlighted her every motion, illuminating the confidence with which she wielded her utensils. Her hair was tied back in a loose bun, a few stray strands framing her face as she focused intently on her task.
She stood at the island, chopping vegetables with practiced precision. The rhythmic sound of the knife on the cutting board created a soothing cadence, blending seamlessly with the subtle bubbling from a pot on the stove. The aroma of spices and fresh ingredients mingled in the air, a tantalizing promise of the meal to come.
Her hands moved with a blend of efficiency and care, each action deliberate yet unhurried. She reached for a pinch of salt, sprinkling it into the simmering sauce with a flourish that spoke of both experience and passion. As she stirred, the rich, savory scent intensified, filling the kitchen with warmth and anticipation.
A soft smile played on her lips as she tasted a spoonful of the sauce, her eyes lighting up with satisfaction. The kitchen, with its gleaming appliances and open shelves, seemed to come alive around her, a backdrop to her culinary artistry. The breakfast nook, with its view of the garden, stood waiting for the moment when she would present her creation, a labor of love that transcended mere ingredients.
In that kitchen, she was both artist and alchemist, transforming simple elements into a symphony of flavors that would nourish both body and soul.
She welcome to both of them with hugs and kisses on the cheeks. She gave them each glasses of freshly prepared orange juice and inquired to know about their school day as always.
"The hero selection exams are coming up." Hailey told her with a smirk on her face. Her voice was filled with enthusiasm.
" When?"she inquired to know.
" Friday." Hailey happily responded.
Nate sat there quiet. Thinking to himself. He had a lot running through his mind.
What if I don't get selected. What if I never awaken my powers. What if Max was really right. What if-
"Nate are you there?" Michelle interrupted his thoughts. He finally snapped back to reality. He gazed over at Hailey and then shifted his gaze towards his aunt, who looked at him with a worried expression.
"Yeah-yeah I'm here. Problem?" He finally spoke after staring at them for a while.
Michelle knew what he was thinking about and reassured him that there was nothing to worry about. This gave him hope. She told him that he was not the only one without powers, that he and her were the same.
After having dinner that night all of them went to sleep.
"Hailey, Nate. Meet Sydney. Sydney.Meet Hailey and Nate." Chloe introduced her cousin happily with a smile across her face.
Michelle had served all of them orange juice when they arrived. The television right in front of the most broadcasting the news on the hero selection exams.
The news anchor stated that this year's heroe selection exams were to be carried out in form of teams. Each team was to have a maximum of five members and a minimum of two members.
Not much important information was given after this. So they all stepped out to train.
Sydney practiced her Sonic waves, which you already half mastered. She practiced her Sonic clap which generated a Sonic wave from clapping her hands causing her opponent to be temporarily neutralized.
She also practiced the sonic scream. This ability allowed her to generate a Sonic wave from screaming. And in some circumstances disability may also be able to knock out her opponent.
And finally. She was secretly developing a new ability, which was totally over powered. It was going abate all her other abilities.
Chloe also practice her telekinesis which she mastered on a surface level.
Hailey was also able to come up with new moves like the; air slash, air blast and air bomb.
Nate on the other hand practice on his physical skills like; strength, agility, stamina and speed.